Developed by a group of researchers, administrators, and practitioners, this manual provides a practical guide for improving the coordination of education, health, and human services for at-risk children and families. Divided into three main sections, the guide leads readers through a five-stage process of group collaboration. The milestones in and obstacles to the process are portrayed through vignettes and case studies that describe the personal experiences of the group members. In the first part, "Outlining a Vision for Change," it is argued that an interlocking set of integrated education and human services is an essential part of a community in which learning occurs. The second section, "Realizing the Vision," presents a five-stage framework to help partners collaborate and develop their own process for changing complex systems, a process that focuses on long-term change while being flexible enough to respond to changing circumstances and conditions. The third part, "Communities Moving toward the Vision," profiles four collaboratives with initiatives to integrate and link services to schools. Appendices include two assessment checklists; a directory of key contacts and organizational resources; and a bibliography that includes sources for more specific guidance on the topics discussed in this guide. (MM)

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